【Text by Observer Network, Wang Yong, Editor: Zhao Qiankun】

Pakistan's Dialogue Pakistan website recently reported that Pakistan's Air Karachi is negotiating with COMAC for the purchase of C919 aircraft. If the deal is successful, it will mark the first time this aircraft enters the South Asian market, and also signify that global airlines are beginning to move away from traditional reliance on Western aircraft manufacturers. Although the airline is also studying proposals from Airbus and Boeing, insiders have confirmed that the C919 has become a strong "competitor".

According to the report, the chairman of Pakistan's Air Karachi, Hanif Gohar, stated that if China's C919 aircraft can be introduced into Pakistan through purchase or lease, domestic passengers will be able to enjoy significant discounts when traveling by air.

Gohar pointed out that the price of Chinese aircraft is only half that of Airbus and Boeing planes. Due to the lower price, the leasing cost will also be lower, which will benefit all passengers. If the negotiations go smoothly, it is planned that initially, the planes will be piloted by Chinese pilots. "Once a final agreement is reached with the supplier (COMAC), the flight operations will commence."

Gohar also said: "We will also strive to introduce the simulator and spare engines of Chinese aircraft into Pakistan."

The airline is headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, and was established at the end of 2024. It is a private airline. As a new airline, Air Karachi obtained a regular public transport license (RPT) from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in early June this year.

The report mentioned that Air Karachi plans to operate domestic flights initially with a fleet of three planes, and then gradually expand to seven planes. According to regulations from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, the airline must complete one year of domestic service before it can launch international routes.

International tourism industry media, "Travel and Tourism World", reported that Air Karachi's decision to build its fleet with COMAC's C919 aircraft is creating aviation history. This move not only marks the first entry of this model into the South Asian market, but also indicates that the strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China is continuously deepening, and also shows a significant shift in Pakistan's commercial aviation vision.

The report believes that choosing the right aircraft will be the core of the airline's success. The first batch of aircraft may define the airline's brand image, passenger experience, and operating costs for many years to come. Compared to competitors, the COMAC C919 model may offer lower purchase and maintenance costs. In addition, cooperating with Chinese suppliers may bring returns beyond expectations.

The report mentioned: "For many years, China and Pakistan have collaborated on multiple aerospace projects. With civil aviation becoming a new front, Pakistan seems willing to maintain close ties with China in this area. Although Airbus and Boeing have long maintained almost a monopoly in the global aviation sector, COMAC is working hard to break this situation. If Air Karachi's negotiations with COMAC are successful, it will become a milestone in the development of the global aviation industry."

The report from the UK's Aerospace Global News website states that for Pakistan, choosing to cooperate with a Chinese aircraft manufacturer will enhance Pakistan's aviation ecosystem.

The leadership of Air Karachi has also clearly stated that factors such as reliability, fuel efficiency, delivery schedule, and after-sales service will influence the final decision.

A aviation market analyst said that if the cooperation is successful and the C919 performs well in the initial deployment, it could strongly attract many airlines in South Asian countries. With the rapid expansion of the aviation industry in South Asia, the demand for modern, economical aircraft among many airlines is increasing, and the C919 is undoubtedly the best choice.

The report mentioned that the C919 is a narrow-body mainline passenger aircraft, with a seating capacity of 158–192 seats, and a range of 4,075–5,555 kilometers. Its main feature is the use of advanced aerodynamic design, an advanced propulsion system, and advanced materials, resulting in lower carbon emissions and higher fuel efficiency. As of May 28 this year, the aircraft model has been flying on 25 domestic routes in China, covering 17 cities, with safe flight over 36,000 hours, and transporting more than 2.05 million passengers. Currently, it is operated by China International Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and Southern Airlines.

According to relevant data, as of February 2025, COMAC's C919 has accumulated orders of nearly 1,500 aircraft, with confirmed orders totaling nearly 1,000. The production target for 2025 is 75 aircraft, with an expected output of 54. The production target for 2026 is 100 aircraft, with an expected output of 84.

The report from the UK's Aerospace Global News website also mentioned that in the coming months, the aviation industry's attention will focus on the negotiations between Air Karachi and COMAC. Regardless of whether the transaction is ultimately concluded, "the fact that the Chinese aircraft manufacturer is being seriously considered highlights the expansion of global choices in the aviation industry."

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Network. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533183165230268974/

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